Back
Glossary

Diversity index: IB Environmental Systems & Societies Definition

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is a diversity index?
  2. 2. Diversity Index Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

What is a diversity index?

In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), a diversity index is a quantitative measure used to assess the biodiversity within a particular ecological community, habitat, or region by taking into account both species richness, which is the number of different species present, and species evenness, which is the distribution of individuals among these species.

A diversity index provides a useful tool for evaluating the complexity and health of ecosystems, by comparing the biodiversity of different areas or monitoring changes in biodiversity over time. Commonly used diversity indices include the Shannon-Wiener Index and the Simpson's Index.

Diversity Index Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of diversity indices in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts such as biodiversity and species diversity.

Explore our IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) resources.

Sign up for articles sent directly to your inbox

Receive news, articles and guides directly from our team of experts.

Share this article

Author
Reviewer
Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now